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When people walk into Mad Arcade, they’re immediately hit with a blast from the past. Several classic arcade games line the room decorated with 80s-inspired wall art.

The arcade, which features a gallery of games including Galaga, Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Dance Dance Revolution, Skee Ball and many more brings in people of all ages to The Sequoia Mall.

“I’ve never opened a business where people are standing outside the window waiting to come in,” said Vincent Madness Juarez, owner.

David Boyajian builds and restores the vintage video games machines. He partnered with Juarez and moved his Hanford arcade to Visalia.

Approximately 20 games fill the room and 10 more are said to come later this week. The owners hope the games will bring more families to the mall.

Juarez has been a tenant in The Sequoia Mall for seven years. He also owns Madness The Party Shop –– the first Electronic Dance Music store in the Valley. The Madness kiosk sells I Heart Raves product and Emazaing Lights – a product featured on the show Shark Tank and backed by Mark Cuban.

He said owning a business there takes time, patience and a willingness to grow, but it can be done.

“I grew up in Visalia, this is part of my community,” Juarez said. “I feel like I should do whatever I can to help The Sequoia Mall.”

His idea to bring life back into the mall is to get five or so more businesses to open up alongside him. Collectively, they will pull in more foot traffic to the nearly vacant mall.

Manuel Rios, Visalia, was playing Guitar Hero while his girlfriend and daughter searched for a game to play.

“It’s pretty cool in here,” said Rios, as his finger pushed the colored buttons of the guitar. “It’s going to bring more clientele back into the mall.”

It’s a perfect start for future entrepreneurs to try ideas and open a new business, Juarez said.

“Just having the arcade here for a few days has already changed the atmosphere,” Juarez said, pointing to a group of teens laughing in the arcade.

A Mad imagination

Juarez is constantly trying to come up with ways to attract people to Mad Arcade. He wants to make it a safe, family fun environment.

“The more I use my imagination and sharpen my tools, the better I get,” Juarez said. “I have a lot of drive. I’ve been here seven years with it empty. I’m not even done with my ideas.”

Juarez plans to build the “Mad” brand with events such as art and car shows. One day, he may open his own restaurant.

Unlike other party places, Mad Arcade also offers a free birthday space. Just call and make a reservation before hand.

Whether people are killing time before a movie or just stopping in for an air hockey challenge, Juarez said it’s those people who are changing the vibe.

“You come in here you hear the sounds of the kids having fun and the music playing,” Juarez said. “There’s not a graveyard sense to it like what people say.”

As the mall hours were coming to a close, more teens and families were walking in the arcade doors. His mother, Paulette Juarez who helps manage the kiosk, braved herself to tell the gamers it was time to pull the plug. She didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news, she said.

“It’s crazy to have a business open up and have to throw people out,” Juarez said at just before 6 p.m. “The kids don’t want to leave.”

Upcoming events

Family’s can take a picture with the Easter Bunny from noon-6 p.m., April 7 - 15 just outside of the arcade at the Madness kiosk.